By Matt Underwood Trump says he doesn’t want to ‘frighten off’ foreign investment after backlash to Hyundai raid, and honestly, it feels like a bit of an “after the horse has bolted” situation. The sentiment itself, that he doesn’t want to scare away foreign investment, is understandable. Any leader would likely prefer a robust economy fueled by international partnerships. But the timing… that’s the kicker.
The recent backlash, particularly after the raid on Hyundai, seems to have already done a significant amount of damage. The reports of how the South Korean workers were treated, and the images that circulated, painted a picture that’s hard to simply erase. It’s not just about business; it’s about basic human dignity and how a nation treats those within its borders. The raid itself and the subsequent outrage send a clear message, and its one that’s hard for anyone with investments to ignore.
It’s like trying to put a genie back in the bottle. Once the narrative takes hold – that the U.S. is an unstable place to do business, where foreign workers can be subject to arbitrary treatment and potentially harsh measures – the impact has already taken root. The idea of a “civil war,” and changes in trade policy at the whim of an individual, further destabilizes the environment for any outside investors. Those who are able, have already begun to look for a more stable location.
The issue runs deeper than just the Hyundai raid. It’s about the overall atmosphere created by the administration. The constant trade wars, the rhetoric, the actions of ICE, and the perceived lack of respect for international norms – all of these factors contribute to a feeling of uncertainty. Why invest when the rules seem to change on a whim, and the treatment of workers is questionable?
The emphasis on “America First” policies, while appealing to a certain segment of the population, can create an isolationist view. This, coupled with the tariffs, only serves to make the U.S. less favorable to foreign investment. Asian companies specifically, have other options. They’re going to look at tax incentives, the cost of doing business, and most importantly, the political climate.
The reaction to the raid, the images of workers, the accounts of their treatment – these things stick in the public’s memory. And the people who are most likely to invest are going to want to protect their own people. They will start looking elsewhere, away from the instability.
The comments are clear: the damage has been done. The images, the policies, the rhetoric – they’ve already sent a message to the global community. It’s going to take more than words, or an immediate change in tone, to undo the harm that’s been caused. The investors are going to see this as a very real issue and make a decision to invest elsewhere.
The situation underscores the importance of consistency, predictability, and respect in international relations. You can’t build trust, or expect investment, if you’re creating uncertainty and causing concerns among the people who are doing the labor.
Perhaps the most telling point is that these concerns and warnings are not new. The administration has been setting this stage. Many businesses, companies, individuals, and countries had plenty of warning. It’s a little late to be surprised by the outcome.